Lionel Messi made his return to competitive football on Saturday, stepping onto the pitch for Inter Miami after Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain. The match ended in a 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew, with Messi coming on as a substitute and his teammate Casemiro scoring an own goal.

Messi's Impact on the Game

Prior to this match, Messi had not played since leading Argentina in their 1-0 defeat on July 19. During the 2026 World Cup, the 39-year-old forward showcased his talent with eight goals and four assists. Upon entering the game in the 53rd minute, Messi was greeted with a warm ovation from the home crowd as Inter Miami held a 2-1 lead.

Shortly after his introduction, Messi had a chance to extend Miami's lead but saw his left-footed shot from a tight angle hit the side-netting. He soon found another opportunity, chesting down a pass from Luis Suarez, only to shoot just wide of the target.

Match Highlights

Inter Miami initially took the lead thanks to an impressive long-range chip from Suarez, marking his seventh goal in four games. However, Casemiro inadvertently equalized for Columbus Crew when he deflected a cross into his own net. Miami regained the lead through Noah Allen's header, but Columbus Crew equalized again with an 84th-minute free-kick from Brais Mendez, who was making his debut.

In the closing moments of the match, Messi had two chances to secure a victory for Miami but narrowly missed with a looping header and a right-footed shot that went over the bar. Despite the draw, Messi's return to the pitch was a significant moment for both him and the fans.